What are Innovations Waiver Services?

BCDC is an authorized provider of specialized Medicaid services through the Innovations Waiver. The Innovations Waiver is a funding resource for individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities to receive services which are not offered through regular Medicaid. These highly intensive and individualized services are designed to provide supports that allow clients with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to remain at home versus institutionalization or long-term hospitalization.

In order to qualify for these programs, an individual must be at risk of being placed in an institution or hospital. Eligibility is determined by Trillium Health Resources.  Services are provided based on the Medicaid definition of medical necessity and must be tied directly to the client. Though an individual may be deemed eligible for these programs, there may be a waiting period for service delivery due to other’s more pressing or urgent needs. Those individuals waiting for Innovations Waiver services can be added to the Registry of Unmet Needs for Trillium Health Resources.

Innovations Waiver services are utilized to enhance and build upon the individual’s skills and to increase his/her independence in the community. The cost of providing intensive services in the community must be less than if they were in an institution or hospital setting.

Services are designed around the person’s specific needs and can include:

• In-home personal care
• Community inclusion activities (teaching individuals to use the resources of their community, such as the post-office, banks, and recreation facilities)
• Day supports and supported employment
• Crisis stabilization
• Family training
• Medical equipment

BCDC provides Day Supports and Supported Employment services through the Innovations Waiver program, to assist individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in training and searching for employment, as well as obtaining, and maintaining employment.  In addition, we provide Day Support-Developmental Day services at our Child Development Center for children up to age 13.  Services provide skill training in motor, language, self-help, problem-solving, and social/emotional areas in a classroom setting with typical peers.  Space is limited.